THURROCK Council leader Rob Gledhill has described today's decision to elevate the borough into the new coronavirus high risk Tier Four – a move that effectively cancels all but the smallest family Christmas events – as a 'terrible setback'.

Speaking this evening (Saturday, 19 December) after the publication of new figures that show just how much of a surge of infection there has been in the borough, Cllr Gledhill says: "This decision will come as a massive blow to residents and businesses alike.

"The news that households can no longer mix indoors will hit those that had planned to spend Christmas with family and friends hard.

"But the rise in numbers of positive tests, the number of over 60s that have been infected and the massive pressure on Basildon hospital are all clear to see.

"This is going to be a further terrible setback to some businesses in Thurrock which will now be forced to close again. Those who are to shut, barbers for example, can claim support under existing grant scheme.

"I am calling on everyone in Thurrock to work even harder to protect each other, protect the NHS and bring down the rates of this virus, irrespective of the variant.

"Everyone will need to abide by the new rules as outlined by the government, and continue to follow the advice of hands, face, space which couldn't be more important. It's on each and every one of us to play our part, we all need to take responsibility for maintaining social distancing at all times both during time spent outside and when in essential shops."

The new list of rules and regulations can be found here.